Language and communication skills are essential for all our pupils and we recognise that the skills developed in English promote learning across the curriculum. We want our pupils to be able to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, and to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally with others in a range of social situations. We teach pupils the skills they need to communicate in ways relevant to their individual needs, through their most preferred method of communication, developing their skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. They have English lessons following the National Curriculum or follow cross-curricular themes which have been developed to meet the individual learning styles of pupils with more complex learning difficulties. Phonics and Colourful Semantics forms an important part of the English curriculum.

English at Rosehill encompasses all aspects of communication. It promotes learning across all areas of the curriculum and underpins pupils’ achievements and participation through developing vocabulary, reading and writing skills, understanding grammar and as a result forming a sound base for lifelong learning.

Reading and writing are fundamental life skills, enabling access to lifelong learning, promoting independence, and providing a source of enjoyment and self-expression.

• Developing the ability to understand and respond to the people and the environment around them
• Developing their own preferred means of communication – verbal, written, symbols, objects, pictures, signs
• Interacting and communicating effectively with others in a range of situations
• Obtaining and using information about the world around them
• Developing creativity
• Making choices, asking question and being actively involved in decision making
• Enriching and broadening their experience of the world
• Developing lifelong enjoyment of a range of literature. 
  Our English curriculum has been adapted to suit the needs of the learners, so that skills are developed in a way that is meaningful and relevant to each individual pupil at different stages in their school career. While some autistic children read phonetically, many are natural sight-readers, therefore both approaches are used in teaching reading and writing. 
   

We support children in developing their self-esteem and “I can” mind-set by helping them to succeed in reading and writing activities tailored to their interests and levels.

We are committed to providing an environment and curriculum, which stimulates pupils to develop their communication skills that are enabling and empowering. We have a total communication policy; all methods of communication are used;

• Speech or sounds
• Signs and symbols
• Facial expressions
• Body language
• Photographs
• Picture exchange (Rosehill PECS)
• Objects of reference
• Communication passports
• Communication aids
• Intensive interaction

Speech, language and communication are taught in a variety of progressive ways through each key stage. High quality opportunities are provided for pupils to develop functional language and effective communication:
 

• 1:1 sessions, small groups
• Social communication sessions / projects
• Outdoor learning
• Intensive Interaction
• Community inclusion
• Rebound therapy
   

Staff use a collaborative approach, working with parents and Speech Therapists to use ‘autism friendly’ strategies so to ensure communication is implicit in all areas of the curriculum and in daily life.